Great car as long as you take care of it!
Fabric on doors came off.
Seat belts get caught under front seats.
Water pump failed at 200000 miles, and again at 230000 miles.
This car has been very reliable.
Other than routine maintenance, we have done very little work on this car.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st December, 2011
Typical wear and tear that would happen with any vehicle.
The 626 is by far the best car I have ever owned. Of course it has repair problems, but what car doesn't? With over 200,000 miles, it still has the original transmission and runs great.
I would definitely recommend Mazda to anyone.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th January, 2011
I have just purchased a car that was owned by an elderly fanatic; oil change every 5000, and full service history from birth...
Tranny is OK for now, although a little rough.
The valve noise is present, but when I start up and listen, I then shut it off and start again, and it is gone...
Apart from that, FANtastic little car.
Buying a manual would obviously be a better bet than to deal with FORD's CD4E Stressbox.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 20th September, 2010
Good car
I would just like to say that I have never been left stranded with my Mazda 626.
I noticed a lot of posts about Mazda 626 automatic transmission problems, and I am glad I have a manual transmission.
The one problem that I have noticed among other users is the ticking noise from the valve cover. It has done this ever since I bought it, and it doesn't go away.
Other than that, I have replaced the CV axles, all 4 struts and had my wheels aligned due to the problem of having to purchase new tires every 6 months. When I had my wheels aligned, I installed Enkei 17" rims with 215/45/17 tires, and I have had this set on my car for almost 2 years now. Don't know if that will fix your tire wear problem or not, but it fixed mine.
Overall, I am happy with my car, since I have 213,000 miles on it!!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 25th June, 2010
Just awful
Power steering belt snapped.
Blown head gasket.
Cracked distributor.
Oil leak.
Master and slave cylinder needed replacement.
Really no power behind the car, acceleration is just awful.
One week after buying the car, my power steering belt snapped while I was on the highway (so I couldn't tell) and caused my head gasket to blow. Towed it to the dealer to be fixed because I had just bought the car. NEXT DAY, I tried to start the car and it wouldn't start; had to have it towed from Virginia to Baltimore. Mechanic said nothing was wrong with it. The next day, it wouldn't start, again. Had to have it towed again. Finally, the mechanic figured out that the distributor was cracked, and if any moisture entered under the hood, it wouldn't turn on. Mechanics have told me this is an incredibly tricky car and annoying to work with.
The car has started to leak oil, but nothing serious.
I was driving one day (had it in neutral) and without any warning, was not able to put the car into any gear. Once again it left me stranded. I had to very carefully drive it to the nearest mechanic (turning the car on and off while driving). Since the car's clutch is run on the master and slave cylinder, I had to have them both replaced. I was told the entire clutch would need to be repaired soon (even though a few months ago it was in great condition).
It wouldn't be so bad if it hadn't left me stranded several times. I refuse to put any more money into the car.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 3rd June, 2010